As we look ahead to the year 2025, the edtech sector stands at a pivotal point – especially in the face of AI-enabled technology. The rapid pace of technological change combined with shifting educational priorities, means that the most successful edtech companies will be those that tackle the biggest challenges in education and link their success to meaningful, real-world change.

We’ve been reflecting on what makes edtech companies stand out. Not all problems are created equal, and the companies that truly make a difference are the ones focusing on the issues that matter most in today’s world. Here’s what we expect to see more of in 2025, and why these trends will matter to both education leaders and the broader edtech landscape.

1. Making the world a better place

Every edtech company addresses a problem, but the best ones focus on issues that resonate on a societal level. Tackling challenges like school readiness in early years, bridging gaps in numeracy and literacy, improving school-to-work transitions, supporting carbon-neutral schools, and preparing learners for future skills will set companies apart in the coming years.

These aren’t just “nice to have” goals; they are critical to shaping the future of education. The edtech companies that lead will be those whose products are not only effective in the classroom but also contribute to broader societal change.

For example, companies addressing the widening gap in literacy and numeracy, particularly in underserved communities, are not just improving educational outcomes; they are addressing inequity in education and contributing to long-term economic development. Similarly, solutions that help schools become carbon-neutral or support lifelong upskilling are directly linked to pressing global challenges, such as sustainability and the need for continuous workforce development.

Things to consider:

• Is your solution addressing a problem that impacts society at large?
• How does your product align with global priorities such as sustainability, equity, and workforce readiness?
• Are you measuring the broader impact of your product, not just educational outcomes?

Recommendations:

• Work closely with schools, policymakers, and communities to identify the biggest societal challenges that education can address.
• Continuously evaluate the social impact of your solution and ensure it aligns with long-term educational and societal goals.

2. Getting paid for doing good

In the past, many edtech companies have operated with a “do good” approach, focusing on positive educational outcomes. However, the most successful companies will be those that can align their sales directly with impact. It’s no longer enough to simply “do well” on one side of the business and “do good” on the other.

Aligning your sales model with the impact you create ensures that your focus remains on the mission, not just the margins.

Things to consider:

• How can you align your revenue model with the impact your solution creates?
• Are you clear about how the success of your product can be measured, and does this success directly tie into your business model?

Recommendation:

• Develop a business model that ensures the more your product achieves, the more sustainable your company becomes.

3. Dreaming big

The edtech sector has seen a surge in school and K-12 startups, but the future is global, scalable, and platform-based. While regional success is valuable, the companies poised for long-term impact are those that can scale across countries, cultures, and curricula.

With artificial intelligence (AI) now at the forefront of education technology, we’re particularly excited to see how AI will power the next wave of edtech innovation. Whether it’s AI-enhanced learning environments, personalised education pathways, or automation of administrative tasks, companies that harness AI effectively are likely to lead the charge in edtech. The best companies will not only address local educational needs but will also create adaptable solutions that can be deployed globally, with flexibility to meet different educational systems and cultures.

Things to consider:

• Is your solution scalable across different regions, markets, and curricula?
• How can AI be integrated into your product to enhance its functionality and adaptability?

Recommendations:

• Design your product from the ground up with scalability in mind.
• Invest in AI technologies that enable personalised learning, predictive analytics, and operational efficiencies.

4. Putting teachers before technology

While technology is a powerful tool, it doesn’t solve problems on its own – people do. The best edtech companies recognise this and focus on the real-world challenges educators face. Successful solutions are not just about the latest features or shiny tech; they are about creating tools that seamlessly fit into school staff’s daily workflows.

Too often, edtech companies make the mistake of developing products that look good on paper but fail to meet the practical needs of educators. Teachers already juggle heavy workloads, tight schedules, and a range of diverse student needs. A solution that requires more effort than it saves will only add to the problem.

The most successful edtech products are those that are intuitive, require minimal training, and integrate well with existing systems. Companies that take the time to understand teachers’ real-world pain points and design solutions that make their jobs easier will gain trust and loyalty.

Things to consider:

• How well does your product integrate into existing educational workflows?
• Are you considering the time and resources required for teachers to adopt and use your product?

Recommendations:

• Conduct regular user research with teachers to understand their challenges and needs.
• Prioritise ease of use, integration, and minimal disruption to existing processes in your product design.

Looking to the year ahead, it’s clear that the edtech companies which thrive in 2025 will be those that think beyond profit margins and focus on creating tangible, real-world impact. Whether it’s making the world a better place, aligning success with impact, thinking big, or putting teachers at the heart of technological development, these companies will be defining the future of education.

As an edtech business owner or leader, it’s important to keep these trends in mind. Focus on what truly matters in education, align your business model with impact, dream big about scalability, and always put teachers before technology. By doing so, you can ensure your company remains competitive, relevant, and poised for success in the years to come.